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Questions about L-1 Visa
Straight answers related to this visa.
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Can I have a Social Security number and pay taxes even if I am paid by the foreign headquarters?
It is possible to obtain an SSN and fulfill tax obligations in the U.S. even with payment from a foreign headquarters, provided one works under an L visa and with specialized guidance.
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Can I have a sponsor different from the foreign company?
The L visa requires that the sponsor be the same foreign company or a related entity, ensuring legal compliance and effectiveness in intra-company transfers.
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Can I have a virtual business address for the ‘New Office L-1’?
A virtual address does not meet the New Office L-1 visa requirements, which demand a real physical operation and proven infrastructure in the USA.
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Can I have an American driver”s license on L-1?
L-1 visa holders can obtain a driver''s license in the U.S. by respecting state rules and complying with legal requirements for safe and lawful driving.
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Can I have an L-1 and apply for a B-2 visa for leisure travel?
It is possible to have an L-1 visa and also apply for a B-2 visa for leisure, provided each application meets the criteria and clearly demonstrates the purpose of each visa.
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Can I have an L-1 visa if I am the founder of the company and also an employee?
It is possible to obtain the L-1 visa as a founder and employee, provided you prove managerial or executive activity and a legal relationship between the foreign and U.S. units.
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Can I have an L-1B as a newly graduated engineer?
The L-1B visa requires specialized experience and a minimum of one year''s work at an international company, making it unlikely for newly graduated engineers to meet these criteria.
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Can I have an L-1B for 1 year abroad and then convert to L-1A?
It is possible to convert the L-1B visa to L-1A after proving a change to a managerial role, provided all legal criteria and requirements are strictly met.
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Can I have an unpaid vacation of 2 months on the L-1 visa?
Unpaid vacations of 2 months on the L-1 visa require careful analysis by the company and authorities to avoid risks to immigration status and maintain legal compliance.
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Can I have another source of income, like rentals, while on an L-1?
Passive income, such as rentals, is generally allowed on the L-1 visa as long as there is no direct management involvement and legal and documentary compliance is maintained.
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Can I have dependents living in another country who maintain the L-2?
The L-2 visa requires dependents to reside in the U.S. along with the L-1 holder to activate and enjoy the status; family members living abroad do not maintain active L-2 status.
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Can I have dual nationality and apply for the L-1 visa using a different passport?
It is possible to apply for the L-1 visa using a passport different from your nationality, as long as there is documentary consistency and compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
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Can I have equity ownership in a company in the US while on an L-1 visa?
It is possible to have passive equity ownership in the US with an L-1 visa, provided there is no engagement that violates the functions for which the visa was granted.
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Can I have L-1A if I am a project manager?
The L-1A visa may be granted to project managers who perform executive functions, including supervision and strategic decision-making, according to U.S. immigration law.
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Can I have more than one L-1 at the same time?
It is not allowed to hold two L-1 visas simultaneously, as each is tied to a specific job function and company, respecting US immigration regulations.
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Can I have outstanding debts and still obtain the L-1?
Outstanding debts do not, by themselves, prevent the L-1 visa, which focuses on intra-company transfer and job requirements, with individual assessment and attention to current regulations.
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Can I have problems if I do not receive a salary from the US company?
The absence of salary on the L visa can jeopardize your immigration status; consult specialists to ensure legal compliance and avoid future issues.
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Can I have problems if my company is not yet registered in the US city where I intend to work?
The L visa requires a regularized business structure in the US; lack of local registration may cause challenges in the immigration process.
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Can I have the L-1 and B-1/B-2 tourist visas simultaneously in my passport?
It is possible to have L-1 and B-1/B-2 visas in the same passport, provided that the appropriate visa is used according to the purpose of the trip, respecting U.S. immigration rules.
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Can I have two L-1 petitions and choose which one to use?
It is not advisable to submit two simultaneous L-1 petitions as this may cause complications and questions. The ideal approach is to submit a single, clear, and well-founded petition.